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Eritrea

Eritrea-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Eritrea, formally referred to as the State of Eritrea, is a country located in the Horn of Africa in Eastern Africa. This nation, with its capital and main city Asmara, holds a pivotal location along the Red Sea coastline. Eritrea is bordered by Ethiopia to the south, Sudan to the west, and Djibouti to the southeast. The northeastern and eastern areas include a vast coastline along the Red Sea, with the Dahlak Archipelago and many Hanish Islands. Eritrea encompasses a total land area of roughly 117,600 square kilometers, including a varied environment that has significantly influenced its history and culture.

The territory currently known as Eritrea possesses a profound and ancient past, with human bones found in the area going back to one million years ago. This archeological data indicates that the region may provide vital information on human evolution. The documented history of the region starts with the Kingdom of Aksum, which arose in the first or second century AD and included a significant portion of contemporary Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. This kingdom embraced Christianity in the mid-fourth century, establishing the basis for the theological framework that persists in shaping Eritrean culture today.

Over the years, Eritrea’s central highlands, referred to as Mereb Melash, meaning “Beyond the Mereb,” functioned as the northern boundary of several Ethiopian kingdoms. This territory was administered by a sovereign known as the Bahri Negasi, or “lord of the sea.” The 16th century witnessed the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of the Eritrean coastline, succeeded by Egyptian dominion over a significant portion of the coastal plains from 1865 to 1885. The contemporary borders of Eritrea began to be delineated in 1885 when Italy strengthened its foothold in the area, ultimately culminating in the formation of the colony of Italian Eritrea by 1889.

Italian governance continued until 1942, when Eritrea fell under British Military Administration during World War II. In 1952, pursuant to a United Nations General Assembly resolution, Eritrea attained a federal status with Ethiopia, retaining its own parliament for local government while Ethiopia managed foreign affairs and defense. This arrangement was ephemeral, since Ethiopia officially occupied Eritrea in 1962, resulting in the dissolution of the Eritrean parliament. This operation initiated the Eritrean War of Independence, spearheaded by the Eritrean Liberation Front, commencing in 1961 and concluding with Eritrea’s de facto independence in 1991. The nation attained de jure independence in 1993 subsequent to a vote.

Modern Eritrea is a country characterized by significant ethnic and linguistic diversity. Nine recognized ethnic groups reside here, each with unique languages and cultural traditions. Tigrinya is the most prevalent language, succeeded by Tigre, Saho, Kunama, Nara, Afar, Beja, Bilen, and Arabic. The nation’s linguistic diversity is augmented by Tigrinya, Arabic, and English serving as official working languages. The predominant languages spoken by Eritreans belong to the Afroasiatic family, chiefly from the Ethiopian Semitic or Cushitic branches. The Tigrinya people comprise around 50% of the population, and the Tigre people account for roughly 30%. Numerous Nilotic ethnic groups, who communicate in Nilo-Saharan languages, contribute to the nation’s cultural diversity.

Religion holds a prominent position in Eritrean society, with the majority of the populace practicing either Christianity or Islam. A diminutive minority persists in practicing traditional faiths, safeguarding historic beliefs and rituals down through generations. This religious variety enhances the nation’s cultural history and impacts several facets of daily life.

Since achieving independence, Eritrea has encountered several obstacles in its pursuit of growth and nation-building. The nation is categorized as one of the least developed, contending with economic difficulties and political intricacies. Eritrea functions as a unitary one-party presidential republic, with President Isaias Afwerki in leadership since its official independence in 1993. The nation’s political environment has attracted global attention, with apprehensions over human rights and freedom of the press.

Notwithstanding these problems, Eritrea has been endeavoring to enhance its economy and infrastructure. The government has launched a twenty-year tourist development strategy, acknowledging the potential of the nation’s cultural and natural assets to draw visitors. The tourist business in Eritrea, albeit still in its infancy, has garnered heightened interest in recent years. The nation’s attractions encompass the art deco architecture of Asmara, the unspoiled Dahlak Islands, the old city of Massawa, and several archeological sites that provide insights into the country’s ancient history.

The transportation infrastructure of Eritrea includes highways, airports, trains, and seaports. The road network is categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, linking major urban centers and rural regions. The Eritrean Railway, constructed from 1887 to 1932, has been subject to rehabilitation initiatives post-independence, with portions reinstated for operation.

The culture of Eritrea is a dynamic amalgamation of the distinct traditions of its nine ethnic groups, influenced by its protracted history of striving for freedom. This cultural history is manifested via a diverse oral and literary tradition, including poetry, proverbs, songs, folk stories, and legends. The arts, encompassing theatre and painting, frequently mirror the history and experiences of the Eritrean populace, presenting vibrant and emotive creations that narrate the nation’s tale.

Nakfa (ERN)

Currency

May 24, 1993 (independence from Ethiopia)

Founded

+291

Calling code

3,546,421

Population

117,600 km² (45,406 sq mi)

Area

Tigrinya, Arabic, English

Official language

lowest point: Red Sea (0 m), highest point: Emba Soira (3,018 m)

Elevation

EAT (Eastern Africa Time, UTC+3)

Time zone

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